Ten years! That's how long Diwali at Times Square, presented by Procter & Gamble, has been illuminating the heart of New York City. On November 9, 2025, the landmark 10th Anniversary transformed Times Square into a vibrant tapestry of culture, community, and unity, all in the spirit of the Festival of Lights. This year's event, themed "Sammaan For All," brought together thousands from around the globe to celebrate the timeless message of hope, harmony, and the triumph of light over darkness.
A Day of Dazzling Diversity
Throughout the day, Times Square pulsed with the sights and sounds of India. A bustling Diwali Bazaar offered a colorful array of cultural experiences, including a lively Kids Zone perfect for families. The Colors of India Cultural Showcase presented a rich mix of classical, folk, contemporary, and fusion performances, celebrating India's diverse cultural heritage. It was a feast for the senses, bringing together audiences of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy the artistry, stories, and traditions that define Diwali.
As dusk settled, the iconic Diya Lighting Ceremony and Countdown lit up the One Times Square Tower, creating a breathtaking moment of unity as thousands watched the symbolic light rise over the world's most recognized intersection.
Light Up Times Square Concert: A Night to Remember
The evening culminated in the high-energy Light Up Times Square Concert, a musical extravaganza featuring an outstanding lineup of renowned artists:
- Malkit Singh – The King of Bhangra, who elevated the atmosphere with his legendary hits and unmatched stage presence.
- Anjana Padmanabhan – Indian Idol Junior winner, showcasing her stunning vocal talent.
- Ashish Kulkarni – Indian Idol finalist, captivating the audience with his powerful voice and dynamic performance.
- PennMasala – The world's first South Asian a cappella group, thrilling the crowd with their signature fusion of Bollywood and Western harmonies.
The concert filled Times Square with joy and celebration, bringing together families, students, tourists, and music lovers well into the night.
Sammaan For All Awards & Gala Dinner: Honoring Excellence
The 10th Anniversary festivities kicked off with the Sammaan For All Diwali at Times Square Awards & Gala Dinner, held at Tribeca Rooftop 360. Leaders from various sectors, including representatives from the Consulate General of India in New York, elected officials, community icons, sponsors, and dignitaries, gathered to honor extraordinary achievements in philanthropy, medicine, entrepreneurship, arts, innovation, and community service.
Honorees included:
- Hemanth Paranji – Outstanding Achievement Award
- Maneet Ahuja – Pinnacle Award
- Akshaya Patra Foundation – Philanthropy Award
- Sparsh Shah – Inspirational Award
- Chef Hemant Mathur – Entrepreneurial Award
- Dr. Sripad H. Dhawlikar – Excellence in Medicine & Community Service Award
The distinguished Man and Woman of the Year Awards were presented live at Times Square during the November 9 celebration:
- Sanat Chattopadhyay, President of Merck & Co. – Man of the Year Award
- Dr. Anitha Srinivasan, Chief Medical Officer, NYC Metropolitan Hospitals – Woman of the Year Award
- Ruma Devi, Social Entrepreneur – Sammaan Award, recognized for empowering over 50,000 rural women.
A Vision for the Future
Founder and Producer Neeta Bhasin reflected on the ten-year journey of Diwali at Times Square, expressing deep gratitude to partners and supporters, especially title sponsor Procter & Gamble and the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships of New York City. She reaffirmed Sammaan For All's continued commitment to youth empowerment through scholarships and expanded community initiatives.
"Lights Shine Brighter When We Shine Together"
The 10th Anniversary of Diwali at Times Square was a historic cultural milestone, uniting communities across Toronto, San Francisco, and New York in a shared celebration of light, culture, and identity. As thousands of diyas and lights illuminated Times Square, the message was clear: Lights shine brighter when we shine together.
What do you think? Did you attend the Diwali at Times Square celebration? What were your favorite moments? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
